Top 3 lures for evening Bass fishing – by Garrett Aakre

For those of us in the Midwest, the dog days of summer are quickly approaching. This means we want to escape the heat, and so do the fish. Bass will normally head towards deeper water to cool off and that is when we usually call it quits as the bite slows down. One thing I have learned over the years is at the peak of summer, the cooler nights and calm water are a great asset to catch a lot of fish. There is a short window of opportunity before dark where feeding bass are chasing those bait fish into the shallows and tend to be aggressive by nature. Here is where you will want to throw something that is bold and makes a lot of noise to get the fish’s attention. Top water is one of my favorite techniques to get the bass in a frenzy and create the perfect illusion of something they’re after. Here is my list of the top 3 lures that should help you to be successful and get fish into the boat.

Spook

A spook is one of the best lures I have used when it comes to imitating an injured fish. Similar to a lot of other stick baits out there, a spook is unique in the aspect of its simplicity and shape. Cast it out as far as you can, and slightly twitch your rod and reel in the slack which creates a “walk the dog” effect. Twitch, twitch, pause. Repeat. If that doesn’t stir up any action, use a continuous motion making the bait zigzag across the surface. One of my favorites would be the Heddon Super Spook Jr. (3.5 in.) in the Bone Silver, Nickel, and Wounded Shad colors.

Whopper Plopper

One of the most recognizable sounds in bass fishing is the famed Whopper Plopper. With its unique vertical positioning on the pause, bubble trail, and the ability to make the most lethargic fish attack, it has a top spot for a reason. This spook-like bait is super effective at creating quite the racket on a calm evening with glassy water. Its prominent cupped tail has a deep tone imitating something swimming in open water. Nothing gets the heart pumping more than a huge strike from a big fish and knowing you got a good hook set. This one is simple; just cast it out and retrieve it towards the boat or shore with a few pauses mixed in. A lot of strikes will happen right after the bait hits the water and starts moving, or once it starts moving again if you choose to pause it. One of my favorites is the Berkley Choppo 75 (3 in.) in the HD Baby Bass color.

Texas-rigged stick bait

This bait might not create those fun strikes on the surface to get your blood pumping, but it seems that a Texas-rig is super effective in the low light hours. A lot of fish determine prey based on sight and vibrations in the water signifying something is close, but scent is also a huge factor for bass. In the evening, try going with a larger worm and don’t peg your weight unless you have heavy vegetation under you. Allow that bullet weight to knock against the eyelet of the hook or bead every time you jig it. Slowly let the bait drag along the bottom and allow the bass to locate it by smell. It has been determined by science that bass can smell bait, just in smaller doses than humans, so allow them some time to find it and go slow on the retrieve. Once you feel that ‘tick’, set your hook and pull them in. I like to use a fluorocarbon leader attached to high-vis braid that tends to float. This allows you to see your line on top of the water and any movement lets you know something grabbed it. My all time favorite Senkos are the YUM Dinger in Watermelon Red Flake and the Reaction Tackle Wacky Worms in Baby Bass or PB&J.

Have you used any of these baits before? What is your favorite lure to throw before dark? Let us know in the comments! Tight lines everyone.